3 Easy Ways to Fight Back Against the Summer Cold

When you think summer, usually hot days, balmy nights and
some much-needed vacation time comes to mind - not being in bed with a cold! But
for many of us, the summer cold is a reality. We all know you’d rather spend
your summer days in the sun and not in bed, so here are 3 ways to fight back
against the summer cold.

1. Reduce stress. Stress is pretty much unavoidable these
days, but how you cope with stress can make or break your health. When you are
stressed your body goes in to “fight mode” which directs blood flow to
important areas like your brain and muscles and away from others, like your
immune system. This is great if you need to fight off a lion with your stone
club, but in the modern era our body doesn’t differentiate between mortal
danger and a tough day at the office. If we fail to cope properly with our
stress, our body stays in “fight mode” perpetually, diverting resources from
your immune system and leaving you vulnerable to disease. How this manifests is,
the moment you actually take a break - say actually go on that summer vacation
– you get sick! What a terrible way to spend your vacation! So, while not every
stress-coping mechanism works for everyone, here are some things to try:

Move.
Whether this is getting up from your desk every few hours, taking a walk at
lunch time, or hitting up your favorite fitness class, exercise reduces stress.

Meditate.
Take some time to reflect and focus on yourself. Struggle with mediation? There
are lots of great aps to help! We recommend: Head Space.

Make a
plan (and write it down!). Sometimes tasks seem insurmountable because we
forget to take things one step at a time. Break big things into small parts and
make a point of accomplishing a little bit each day. Then cross it off your
list! It feels good

Antioxidants
– help your body heal. Antioxidants can be found in some water but cannot be
bottled effectively. Look for filters that can produce this on demand.

Alkaline
– disease cannot survive in an alkaline body! Plus, things like a stuffy nose
are caused by inflammation, which is acidity mediated. Fight back with alkaline
water that balances your body’s pH and helps it heal.

Mineralized
– calcium and magnesium are key to reduce cardiovascular disease, but other
trace minerals - like zinc - are also important
for your immune system. Look for water that adds these minerals back in.

To get all of the above (plus the water tastes
great) we recommend a Santevia
Power Pouch. It travels great on that summer vacation and each pouch lasts
for 10 bottles of GOOD water. Supporting your immune system never tasted so
great!

2. Sleep. Sleep is essential for your body
to recover and repair, so its no wonder that when you skip it you get sick! But
sometimes there are so many fun things to do in the summer that sleep takes a
back seat. Even if you are a homebody, it can just be so hard to sleep in the
summer! One second its too hot, the next, the sun is streaming in your window
at 5am. Grrrr.Here are some ways to
improve your sleep (and get that much needed recovery time) over the summer:

Invest in
a sleep mask. There are even some that you can cool in the fridge for that
nice fresh feeling on your face. We recommend: Starry
Eyed Mask

Avoid
screens (phone, computer, TV) late at night. We know, we know, asking
someone to put down their phone is like asking them to cut off their arm. So if
you fall into the smart-phone addicted category, at least set the phone to
night mode or invest in some blue light glasses to reduce the effect that the
light has on your circadian rhythm (AKA when your body wants to sleep or be
awake). We recommend these: Spektrum
Glasses.

3. Drink good water. We say GOOD, because
not all water is made equal. To properly support your immune system, your water
should have the following attributes:

How much water though? You should be drinking half of your body
weight (lbs) in ounces of water each day. More if you exercise or its hot (like
in the summer!) For example, if you weigh 150lbs, half that is 75, so you
should drink 75oz (or about 8 9oz glasses per day).